There aren’t many better feelings on a hot summer’s day than cooling down, responsibly of course, with a refreshing adult beverage.
The explosion of vineyards and small breweries in Northeast Ohio during the past few years has also given drinkers much more variety and opportunity to try all sorts of different alcoholic drinks.
While much is often made about pairing specific wines and beers together with certain foods, even local wine and beer experts note the importance of simply drinking something that you like.
“I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer,” said Joel Sandrey, a wine sommelier and director of sales and marketing for Debonne Vineyards and Cellar Rats Brewery. “Don’t worry so much about what other people say.”
Kevin Malone, assistant manager at John Christ Winery in Avon Lake, agrees.
“If you like a specific wine, then drink it. Personal preference above all,” he said.
While following this view, there are certain types of brews and wines that become more and less popular as the seasons turn.
Coupled with spicier foods, many people prefer a drier red wine, such as John Christ Winery’s frontenac.
“You may like a drier wine because it can help balance out the spices,” said Malone.
Sangria, a drink that normally consists of wine, fruit and a sweetener, is also very popular during the summer months.
“It’s cooler, it’s refreshing,” Malone said.
At the Avon Lake winery, in business since 1946, customers can purchase appetizers on site but they are also permitted to bring in their own food to enjoy with the wines. Throughout the summer, the winery will also host a few special cookouts and clambakes, said Malone.
Barbecue is obviously a staple of many summer get-togethers. Malone said that depending on the sauce used, a blackberry, raspberry or even a peach wine can often pair well.
“But if you find a wine that you enjoy, you can more than likely find a food that you can pair it with to complement the tastes,” he said.
As the weather warms business is beginning to pick up, as customers love to enjoy the outdoor spaces at the winery.
“You obviously can’t really do that in the middle of winter,” he said.
Sandrey, who is also a managing partner of Cellar Rats, said heavy imperial stouts are usually not too sought after during the summer months, with most drinkers looking for brighter and lighter flavors.
Cellar Rats does not specifically brew certain beers based on the seasons, but the P.O.C. Pride of Cleveland Pilsner and the Field Rat Wheat see sales spikes when the weather warms, Sandrey said.
Instead, the brewery usually switches out different brews on a weekly basis.
“It gives us instant feedback,” Sandrey said. “That helps us decide if we even want to make another batch again.”
In addition to Cellar Rats, Lake County beer lovers can also find hometown brews at the
Willoughby Brewing Company in downtown Willoughby, Cornerstone Brewing Company in Madison and Little Mountain Brewing Co. in Mentor.
Winking Lizard Tavern has more than a dozen locations throughout Northeast Ohio. While they do not brew their own beer, that does not make them any less of a destination for beer aficionados.
The World Tour of Beers gets people who enjoy craft beers to expand their palettes, said Xanthe Balas, who started out as a bartender eight years ago and is now a manager
With more than 375 beers to choose from throughout the year, customers can sign up to receive an electronic card who will keep track of which beers they have tried with the goal of drinking 100 different beers in one year. Those that do so receive a tour jacket and also an invitation to an exclusive party for those that finish.
Balas urged customers not to be afraid to ask questions about which beers go well with certain foods.
“This is the type of stuff, while they’re on the tour, that we teach them,” Balas said.
She also added that the wide variety of beers available at the Winking Lizard is thanks to one of the company’s owner John Lane.
He often travels to Europe in search of new beverages.
“He finds all these different brews and beers that you just can’t get anywhere else,” Balas said.